The ultrasound image demonstrates a heterogeneous and echogenic spleen with evidence of atrophy and multiple areas of calcification—consistent with autosplenectomy. This appearance is classically associated with chronic sickle cell anemia.
In sickle cell disease, repeated vaso-occlusive episodes result in infarctions, fibrosis, and progressive calcification of the spleen. Over time, this leads to functional asplenia or complete autosplenectomy (involution and shrinkage of the spleen). The hallmark sonographic features include:
A small, echogenic spleen
Multiple coarse calcifications
Irregular contour or atrophic appearance
These findings are not typically seen in other conditions:
A. Trauma may cause subcapsular hematomas or lacerations, but not chronic atrophy with calcifications.
C. Immunocompromised patients may develop abscesses or infections but not the classic features of autosplenectomy.
D. Portal hypertension typically causes splenomegaly and varices, not atrophic and calcified spleens.
[References:, Rumack CM, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, Levine D. Diagnostic Ultrasound, 5th ed. Elsevier; 2017., Hagen-Ansert SL. Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography, 8th ed. Elsevier; 2017., Kellenberger CJ. Imaging of the spleen in children. Eur Radiol. 2004;14(5):92–102., , , ]
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